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HomeMedico-LegalArrest of 'doctor' whose bogus cures allegedly resulted in 3 deaths

Arrest of 'doctor' whose bogus cures allegedly resulted in 3 deaths

A Greek man accused of fabricating medical qualifications to pose as a doctor, whose bogus cures allegedly resulted in three deaths, fell under suspicion after a real medic spotted his inability to properly sterilise his hands. The Guardian reports that the 47-year-old was arrested in Athens on charges of manslaughter and fraud this week. The suspect allegedly administered quack cures to at least 45 people, many suffering from cancer and other incurable conditions.

Police say that using the pseudonym Nicholaos Kontos, he posed variously as a US-educated paediatric oncologist, a surgical neuro-physiologist, an executive member of the International Red Cross and a researcher at a renowned medical centre in Switzerland.

Media outlets reported that he also presented himself as a physiotherapist and a doctor with links to the Vatican. Alleged victims were found through relatives seeking solace in monasteries and on the autonomous republic of Mount Athos. Treatments were described as diet-based and included courses of vitamins, organic herbs and cannabis.

The report says among the three people believed to have died at his hands were two children aged 14 and 16, and a 76-year-old man whose combined medical bills reportedly exceeded €58,000.

[link url="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2020/jun/18/alleged-bogus-doctor-accused-over-three-deaths-in-greece?CMP=Share_iOSApp_Other"]Full report in The Guardian[/link]

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